Finding Comfort in Moving Alone
When I told people I was moving to Thailand to teach they had two questions. The first being, do you know anyone that's going with you and the second one being do you know any Thai language. The answer to both of those questions is a hard no. I actually specifically chose Thailand to teach because I did not know anyone. As I mentioned in my last post, two of my best friends from college are teaching through CIEE in Madrid. I thought about going to join them but I realized I wanted to do something more independent than I had ever done before. This was something that I was very committed to and I am still not really sure why. I think there was a big part of myself that just wanted to prove that I could do it. There have been times where I really, really regretted this choice
When I decided that I was moving, thinking about making friends or making connections did not really cross my mind. I figured it would happen but the question of how did not really come to me. Making friends had come relatively easily in the past, like in college it was also sorta forced together because we were all in the same boat and my friends from growing up and I had been close since 7th grade so I do not even remember making those connections. The night before I left, I had my first freak out about not making friends and worrying about not making connections with anyone. I got into the mindset that I was just going to go, do my thing, not make any connections and then come home. In hindsight, not only was this mindsight heavily pessimistic but I was being a bit of a drama queen. Nevertheless, I still boarded my flight and told myself that I needed to give myself that push.
Having to start the trip in quarantine was honestly difficult. I have always struggled with social anxiety and got nervous to put myself out there in the different chats or facebook groups that we were set up with. I am initially a very introverted person until I am a little more comfortable in a group and find my footing. In quarantine, I felt like I was a step behind or constantly worried I was saying the wrong thing. Even once out of quarantine, I was still feeling a little overwhelmed and I do not think that feeling was unique to me. Pretty much everyone on this trip came along but I just was not able to be so quickly comfortable in myself and in the group as I perceived them to be. When I got to Khon Kaen where I teach, I spent the first few days saying that I just wanted to give up and go home. I felt like I was the only one feeling this way (I know that this was likely very very untrue).
All this being said, I do not feel this way anymore. I have found friends and connections, and will write more about the different adventures we have already had in a future post. I do not spend every single night on my own. At times, yes I still feel lonely just like everyone does but not in a way that feels incapacitating. I did push myself way outside of something that I did not think I could do and do something that I thought would be impossible for me. I wanted to write this post, as exposing as it may be to myself to show that it is possible for someone who is not used to putting themselves out there to put themself out there and have fun. I have made connections with people and can now say I did come here with friends. I remind myself that everyone that’s here came here for a reason and we all have that to connect on.
Back to the questions I got before I left. I can now say I have friends! I am not here alone. And as for knowing the Thai language? That is still up for debate.
Related Posts
Orientation for Teaching in Thailand: A Day-by-Day Breakdown/ What its Really Like
What REALLY Happens at Orientation Week in Thailand: My CIEE Experience From jet lag and jungle curry to temples and teaching prep—orientation week in Bangkok is a wild ride of nerves, excitement, and unforgettable firsts. If you’re about to teach abroad with CIEE or OEG and wondering what those first few days in Thailand actually feel like… this is your sneak peek. I’ll walk you through each day of the June 2025 orientation—what we did, what I wish I knew, and why this week shaped everything that followed. Let’s rewind to the moment I landed in Bangkok, backpack in hand, heart racing. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Tips For Future CIEE Teachers: Backpacking Through Japan
Want to Make the Most of CIEE Thailand? Start Your Adventure Before It Begins! Why fly straight to Thailand when you can explore another country first—and maybe even save money doing it? In this blog, I share how my partner and I backpacked through Japan before our CIEE Teach in Thailand placement started. We found $350 flights, stayed in hostels under $30, and made unforgettable memories — all before our first day of work. Learn why a pre-program trip can reduce stress, ease culture shock, and extend your adventure. Plus, I break down the pros, cons, and insider tips to help you do it smart. Don’t miss this travel hack!
You Don’t Need a Big Bank Account to Travel — You Just Need to Decide
Everyone thinks travel is only for the wealthy, but I proved that wrong while living out of my car and saving every dollar I could. In this blog, I break down exactly how I turned sacrifice into a plane ticket—sharing the mindset shifts, budgeting tools, and step-by-step plan that helped me go from surviving in L.A. to traveling the world teaching abroad in Thailand. If you’ve ever dreamed of living overseas but thought you couldn’t afford it, this step by step guide is for you!